Around half of older people feel negatively about the recent Federal Budget citing missed opportunities, according to COTA SA’s Federal Budget survey.

As the peak body for older South Australians, COTA SA is dedicated to understanding what older people think about issues facing them and identifying what would make a difference to their lives to advocate on their behalf. Following the Federal Budget announcement on 25 March, we asked older Australians for their views on what was positive about the Federal Budget, what was missing, and how they believe the Government’s spending decisions will impact their lives in the years ahead. With a federal election imminent, we also took this opportunity to explore whether the Budget announcement would influence their voting choices.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our Federal Budget Survey. Your valuable insights will guide us in shaping effective policy positions and advocating for the needs of older people. We are pleased to share some of the findings from the survey here.

A total of 222 older people completed our short survey to tell us how they felt about the March Federal Budget announcements. Almost half of survey respondents felt negative about the 2025 Federal Budget (22% somewhat negative, 27% very negative). Just over a quarter felt neutral about the federal budget (28%) with a fifth of respondents feeling either somewhat positive (19%) or very positive (2%).

For many survey respondents, this year’s Federal Budget represented another missed opportunity for meaningful relief. The overwhelming sentiment underscores a growing sense of frustration and uncertainty about whether current federal budget will address the evolving needs of the ageing population.

Pension and health reforms were missed opportunities

Notably, older Australians were concerned that the budget failed to include an increase in the pension (25%) and additional health system reforms (23%). Respondents viewed both of these issues as missed opportunities which will negatively impact their lives. Concerns over tax reforms, housing and aged care were also cited by respondents.

Despite the Federal Budgets attempt on providing tax relief, less than 1% of older respondents identified this as a positive in the federal budget. One respondent noted, “I guess the tax cuts are good though they won't affect me. Helping young ones into housing, stopping non-compete clauses.” Conversely, 16% of survey respondents expressed that tax reform was a missed opportunity in this federal budget, with respondents feeling that the changes don’t benefit them and or older Australians.

A number of respondents also told us they would have liked to have seen Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme in the Budget.

“A rise in pensions that reflects the rises in every cost - food, fuel, rates, water rates, insurance by huge amounts. Pensioners are once again expected to cut their spending on everything to cover bills. It’s becoming impossible.”

“Introduction of a Seniors dental benefit. No additional action on housing affordability; increased number of Support at Home packages. Nothing to improve Govt's current dismal environmental performance and action on climate change - affects us all.”

“Older people in poverty need real help to get an affordable home and live in dignity. Budget offers nothing here.”

Improved bulk billing a key positive

The most positively received budget announcements included the health reforms which seek to improve access to bulk billing making it cheaper to see a doctor (29%) and the energy bill support (23%).

While these measures were welcomed by some survey respondents, they were often seen as short term solutions rather than long-term fixes. Many respondents expressed that these were positives out of the federal budget, but they do little to address the long-term challenges that will continue to affect their lives. As one respondent expressed, “I can’t see anything that will help with my finances except the $150 once off energy bill relief. But this is minuscule when compared to the extra energy costs burden since 2022.”

It is noteworthy that almost a third told us that “nothing” was good (32%) in the Federal Budget. This response reflects a deeper feeling of survey respondents expressing that the budget failed to address their most pressing concerns.

“More Bulk-billing for Doctors. Very important.”

“Extra support for Medicare and prescription medicine. The effort to try and control cost-of-living for all members of the community.”

“Cheaper PBS medicines, more GP bulk billing, more Urgent Care Clinics, pay rises for aged care workers and the $150 energy bill rebate are welcomed aspects of the budget.”

A third of older people are still considering their vote

When asked whether the 2025 Federal Budget announcements would influence their vote, 15% of respondents said they are now considering changing their vote, and another 16% remain unsure. A majority of respondents (69%) indicated that their vote remains unchanged—either because the budget had no impact on their decision (48%) or because it reinforced their choice (21%).

The proportion of undecided voters is roughly in line with previous election campaigns. At the last election, 37% of voters reported making up their minds during the election campaign, with 27% deciding in the final few days or even on election day - reference.

Our colleagues at COTA Australia have released their response to the Federal Budget and you can read their statements here. With the Federal Budget overlooking a number of key areas, we now look to the State Government to step up and deliver on the essential support that older South Australians need.